Stupid question…… garboard drain plug size

[ScottinAZ]

Simple, but stupid question….. what size pipe plug are the screw in garboard drain plugs usually….. new boat doesn’t have one with it, Wally World doesn’t stock them here, and I’ll be damned if I drive 100 miles to get one from Bass Pro…. I have an Ace hardware right down the street, and IIRC a brass pipe plug is the same thing. Anyone know what size they are, 1/2 or 3/8 NPT?

 

[flashback]

Mines half inch bronze.

 

[alldodge]

Most all are 1/2 NPT and agree, get from HW store

 

[Grub54891]

Bronze from hardware store. No need to put any sealer on it or crank it so tight you need a muscle man to get it out! Snug is good.

 

[Scott Danforth]

with all pipe threads 2FFT

2 Flats past Finger Tight

 

[airshot]

In my younger days when these types of plugs were more popular, we added a " handle" of some sort to help with tightening or loosening. Often drilled a small hole thru the raised hex and slipped a pin thru for extra grip. In a couple of my old leaky row boats you need to get that plug in or out quickly !

 

[cyclops222]

LOwes or H D plumbing section. Buy the 1/2" and a small roll of Teflon tape to wrap around the threads. About 5 wind arounds will seal with a snug pull of about 5 pounds on a 1' wrench. It will not slip out.

 

[Grub54891]

No need for the teflon tape. It's a tapered pipe thread. Snug it up and go boating. I see so many with teflon, sure they don't leak. I've seen many wit no tape, they don't leak either. If it does, it may have been overtightend over the years and wore out. Seen a few where the head of the plug is recessed into the drain fitting. Way to tight!